By Agbaxode Emmanuel, GNA
Akatsi (V/R), Nov. 14, GNA – The Akatsi South Municipal Assembly has intensified efforts to deepen grassroots participation and accountability in local governance, following two town hall and public accountability forums held at Gefia and Avenorpeme.
The engagements, held on November 11 and 12 respectively, formed part of the Assembly’s commitment to taking governance discussions closer to residents and providing communities with opportunities to influence local development priorities.
Mr Daniel Dagba, Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) for the area, described the engagements as frank and open discussions, saying several stakeholders expressed appreciation for the Assembly’s development efforts in their respective communities.
He said the meetings provided an opportunity for residents to interact directly with the Assembly’s leadership, raise concerns and contribute to discussions on the municipality’s development.
The first forum was held at the New Covenant Church at Gefia, bringing together community members, stakeholders and local authorities for discussions on development concerns, public service delivery and the Assembly’s responsibilities.
The initiative followed an earlier town hall meeting held at the Municipal Assembly Hall on October 28, where Mr Dagba announced plans to extend the accountability engagements to all four Zonal Councils.
At the maiden meeting, he said the Assembly’s responsibility went beyond planning and implementing development projects to accounting to residents for its decisions, utilisation of public resources, progress of programmes and challenges encountered in delivering essential services.
He identified road infrastructure, sanitation, agriculture, education, healthcare, security and social protection as some of the municipality’s development priorities.
Mr Issah Umar, Municipal Coordinating Director, also announced that the engagements would be replicated across the four Zonal Councils to ensure that residents outside the municipal capital had direct access to the Assembly’s leadership and management.
The subsequent meetings at Gefia and Avenorpeme marked a step towards fulfilling that commitment and strengthening the relationship between local authorities and communities.
The forums were expected to promote transparency, encourage active citizen participation, and ensure that development interventions reflect the needs and aspirations of residents across the Municipality.
GNA
Edited by: Maxwell Awumah/Kenneth Odeng Adade
Reporter: Agbaxode Emmanuel
Email: [email protected]